We and our culture are drunk with a fascination of getting stuff and loving ourselves. This is not to say that "ourself" isn't important, but an overemphasis on "ourself" is enslaving and spiritually stagnating. In essence, this means that in order to be in a proper relationship with God and others, we need to take a vacation from ourselves.

"The problem with Corinth is that their Faith, no matter how real, was not impacting the world view they received from their culture." And Christianity today still suffers from that.

This message is somewhat of a challenge to pursue the emphasis of the previous two weeks. Namely, to participate with spiritual gifts in the church ... to see one another as crucial and essential elements when we gather together. And, to help us to move away from "vain worship" where we treat a worship time as self-serving and self-edifying.

The Spirit dwells among God's people and enables them to participate. Did you pray for your participation today? What did you bring today?

As part of this message, the community is encouraged to act out a direction that Soul Survivor Church took nearly a decade ago ... their rebellious act in worship led to Matt Redman's song "The Heart of Worship."

Walter Brueggemann describes the importance of "imagination" in a church community. Living in such a competent culture (where we can implement most anything), we often have difficulty imagining anything different. Yet, the gospel is all about "something different" ... or, rather, an alternative future.

As a Christian community delivers the powerful spiritual gifts among one another, we are experiencing guidance and aide toward an alternative future. These gifts help us to abandon the direction of the world, and adopt the direction of God. Unfortunately, many are fearful of spiritual gifts even to the point that they might supress them.

This message is intended to encourage one another to seek the spiritual gifts, and to not fear their presence in the Christian community. As part of this message, a particular emphasis on perhaps the most feared spiritual gift is presented: speaking in tongues.

When "worship service" is mentioned, what do you think of? Do you think of a time and a place where you are essential, as essential as the pastor or music leader ... and missing the "worship service" would create a deficiency? Or, alternatively, do you think of it as a time and a place that you attend for your own benefit & edification, and that it doesn't matter whether or not you are there?

The spectator view of Christianity is widely held in America. Americans see their attendance as not much different than going to a baseball game as a fan - they cheer and participate as a spectator rather than a crucial member of the team. But, the team's victory is not dependent upon whether or not they are in attendance. (Which is probably why television churches are growing in popularity).

This is not the description of "worship service" that Paul is addressing in 1 Corinthians. Paul actually is critical of the individuals who come to church to satisfy selfish desires. Rather, the church is viewed as a place of mutual participation, and every Christian is crucial to the successful activity of "church."

This message also includes a discussion of women's roles in leadership.